63 Great African Design Symbols and Adinkra

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63 African Symbols ForCreative DesignBy: Mawuna Remarque KOUTONIN(http://www.siliconafrica.com/author/admin/)

Tuesday, June 4th, 2013 at 9:27 pm.

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-content/themes

/directorypress/thumbs//kwat_lg1.gif)African

symbols from Egypt are well known, but now is time

to discover more African symbols specially from

West Africa, called Adinkra

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adinkra_symbols).

Adinkra are visual symbols, originally created by the

Ashanti of Ghana and the Gyaman of Cote dIvoire in West Africa. They represent concepts or

aphorisms, and are extensively used in fabrics, pottery, logos and advertising.

The symbols have a decorative function but also represent objects that encapsulate evocative

messages that convey traditional wisdom, aspects of life or the environment.

The Collection below is from the work of Jean MacDonald (http://www.adinkra.org/htmls

/adinkra_site.htm), and is destined to African artists and designers for inspiration in logo,

websites, clothes, jewelery and fashion design, not forget for tattoos (http://www.adinkra.org

/htmls/tattoos.htm).

You can try to win the complete pack of the 63 images in high resolution here

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/high-resolution-pack-of-the-63-african-symbols-to-win-

for-free/).

1. SANKOFA

(http://www.siliconafrica.com

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//sank_lg.gif)

return and get it

symbol of importance of learning from the

past

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/wp-content

/themes/directorypress/thumbs

//sank2_lg.gif)

REKLAMA

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1 of 26 11/19/2014 11:45 AM

2. WO NSA DA MU A


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If your hands are inthe dish

symbol of participatory government,

democracy and pluralism

From the aphorism, Wo nsa da mu a, wonni

nnya wo If your hands are in the dish,

people do not eat everything and leave you

nothing. Source: Cloth As Metaphor

(http://www.marshall.edu/akanart/) by G.F.

Kojo Arthur

3. SESA WO SUBAN


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Change or transformyour character

symbol of life transformation

This symbol combines two separate adinkra

symbols, the Morning Star which can mean

a new start to the day, placed inside the

wheel, representing rotation or independent

movement.

4. WAWA ABA


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seed of the wawatree

symbol of hardiness, toughness and

perseverance

The seed of the wawa tree is

extremely

hard. In Akan culture, it is a symbol

of someone who is strong and tough.

Itinspires the individual to persevere

through hardship.

5. TAMFO BEBRE

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2 of 26 11/19/2014 11:45 AM


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the enemy will stew inhis ownjuice

symbol of jealousy and envy

6. WOFORO DUA PA A


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when you climb agood tree

symbol of support, cooperation and

encouragement

From the expression Woforo dua pa

a, na yepia wo meaning When you

climb a good tree, you are given a

push. More metaphorically, it means

that when you work for a good cause,

you will get support.

Source: Cloth As Metaphor

(http://www.marshall.edu/akanart/)

by G.F. Kojo Arthur

7. PEMPAMSIE


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sew in readiness

symbol of readiness, steadfastness,

hardiness

According to the The Adinkra Dictionary

(http://www.adinkra.org/htmls

/books.htm), the design

of this symbol resembles the links of a

chain, and implies strength through

unity as well as the importance of being

prepared.

8. OWUO ATWEDEE

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3 of 26 11/19/2014 11:45 AM


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the ladder of death

symbol of mortality a reminder of the

transitory

nature of existence in this world and of the

imperative to live a good life to

be a worthy soul in the afterlife

9. OWO FORO ADOBE


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snake climbing the raffiatree

symbol of steadfastness, prudence and

diligence

Because of its thorns, the raffia tree is a very

dangerous challenge to the snake. His ability

to climb it is a model of persistence and

prudence.

10. OSRAM NE NSOROMMA


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The Moon and the Star

symbol of love, faithfulness, harmony

This symbol reflects the harmony that exists

in the bonding between a man and a woman.

Proverb: Kyekye pe aware. (The North Star

has a deep love for marriage. She is always in

the sky waiting for the return of the moon,

her husband.) from The Adinkra

Dictionary (http://www.adinkra.org/htmls

/books.htm#adinkra_dictionary))

11. ONYANKOPON ADOM NTI BIRIBIARA BEYEYIE

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By Gods grace, allwill be well

symbol of hope, providence, faith



by G.F. Kojo Arthur

12. OKODEE MMOWERE


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the talons of the eagle

symbol of strength, bravery, power

The eagle is the mightiest bird in the sky, and

its strength is concentrated in its talons. The

Oyoko clan, one of the nine Akan clans, uses

this symbol as their clan emblem.

13. ODO NNYEW FIE KWAN


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Love never loses its wayhome

symbol of the power of love

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5 of 26 11/19/2014 11:45 AM

14. NYANSAPO


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wisdom knot

symbol of wisdom, ingenuity, intelligence

and patience

A especially revered symbol of the Akan, this

symbol conveys the idea that a wise person

has the capacity to choose the best means to

attain a goal. Being wise implies broad

knowledge, learning and experience, and the

ability to apply such faculties to practical

ends. (Willis, The Adinkra Dictionary

(http://www.adinkra.org/htmls

/books.htm#adinkra_dictionary))

15. NYAME YE OHENE


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God is King

symbol of majesty and supremacy of God


(http://www.marshall.edu/akanart/) by G.F.

Kojo Arthur

16. NYAME NTI


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by Gods grace

symbol of faith and trust in God

According to The Adinkra Dictionary by W.

Bruce Willis: This stalk is depicted as the

staff of life in many cultures. It symbolizes to

the Akan that food is a basis of life and that

they could not survive if not for the food that

God has placed here on Earth for their

nourishment.


6 of 26 11/19/2014 11:45 AM

17. NYAME NNWU NA MAWU


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God never dies, thereforeI cannot die

symbol of Gods omnipresence and the

perpetual existence of mans spirit

This signifies the immortality of mans soul,

believed to be a part of God. Because the soul

rests with God after death, it cannot die.

18. NYAME BIRIBI WO SORO


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God is in the heavens

symbol of hope A reminder that Gods

dwelling

place is in the heaven, where he can listen to

all prayers.

19. NSOROMMA


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child of the heavens[stars]

symbol of guardianship A reminder that

God is the father and watches over all people.

20. NSAA


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a type of hand-wovenfabric

symbol of excellence, genuineness,

authenticity According to The Adinkra

Dictionary by W. Bruce Willis, the nsaa

symbols reflects a saying: nea onnim nsaa

oto nago, which he translates as

He who does not know authentic Nsaa will

buy the fakes. The quality of Nsaa

has come to represent quality of

workmanship in general.

21. NKYINKYIM


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twisting

symbol of initiative, dynamism and

versatility

22. NKYIMU


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the crossed divisions madeon adinkra cloth beforestamping

symbol of

skillfulness, precision Before adinkra cloth is

stamped with the symbols, the

artisan blocks off the cloth with lines in a

rectangular grid using a

broad-tooth comb. This preparation is

symbolic of the exacting technique which

results in the highest quality product.

23. NYAME DUA


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tree of god altar

symbol of Gods presence and

protection The

Nyame Dua is a sacred spot where

rituals are performed. Erected in

front of the

house or compound, it is crafted from

a tree that has been cut where three

or

more branches come together. This

stake holds an earthenware vessell

filled

with water and herbs or other

symbolic materials for purification

and blessing

rituals.

24. NKONSONKONSON


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chain link

symbol of unity and human relations A

reminder to

contribute to the community, that in unity

lies strength

25. NEA OPE SE OBEDI HENE


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he who wants to beking

symbol of service and leadership

From the

expression Nea ope se obedi hene

daakye no, firi ase sue som ansa

meaning He

who wants to be king in the future

must first learn to serve. Source:

Cloth As Metaphor


by

G.F. Kojo Arthur

26. NEA ONNIM NO SUA A, OHU


9 of 26 11/19/2014 11:45 AM



/thumbs//neao_lg.gif)

He who does not know can know from

learning

symbol of knowledge, life-long education and

continued quest for knowledge

Source: Cloth As

Metaphor (http://www.marshall.edu

/akanart/) by G.F. Kojo Arthur

27. MPUANNUM



/thumbs//mpua_lg.gif)

five tufts (of hair)

symbol of priestly office, loyalty and

adroitness This symbol is said to be the

hairstyle of joy. It is the

traditional hairstyle of the priestesses. The

design of the adinkra symbol

mpuannum resembles the way the

priestesses hair was tied. It also

represents the devotion and faithfulness one

displays when doing a task

required of one. In addition, mpuannum

means loyalty or the embodiment of lofty

duty to a desired goal. W. Bruce Willis,

The Adinkra Dictionary

28. MPATAPO


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knot ofpacification/reconciliation

symbol of reconciliation,

peacemaking and pacification Mpatapo

represents the bond or knot that binds

parties in a dispute to a peaceful,

harmonious reconciliation. It is a symbol

of peacemaking after strife.

29. MMUSUYIDEE


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that which removes badluck

symbol of good furtune and sanctity

30. MMERE DANE


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time changes symbol of change,

lifes dynamics Source:

Cloth As

Metaphor (http://www.marshall.edu

/akanart/) by G.F. Kojo Arthur

31. MFRAMADAN


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wind-resistant house

symbol of fortitude and readiness to

face lifes

vicissitudes

This symbol suggests a reinforced or

well-built home one built

to withstand windy and treacherous

conditions. It reflects in Asante

history a

clause in the unwritten constitutution

of the Golden Stool. Oral acocunts say

that according to that clause, mud

houses in Kumasi must be reinforced

with

turf. This reinforcing would cause the

house to be sturdier and resistant to

unfavorable weather conditions.

from The Adinkra Dictionary by W.

Bruce Willis


11 of 26 11/19/2014 11:45 AM

32. ME WARE WO


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I shall marry you symbol of commitment,

perseverance From

the expression No one rushes into the job of

mixing the concrete for building

the house of marriage. See Cloth As

Metaphor (http://www.adinkra.org/htmls

/adinkra_bibliography.htm#arthur) by G.F.

Kojo Arthur, pp. 89, 163.

33. MATE MASIE


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What I hear, I keep

symbol of wisdom, knowledge and prudence

The

implied meaning of the phrase mate masie

is I understand. Understanding

means wisdom and knowledge, but it also

represents the prudence of taking into

consideration what another person has said.

34. KWATAKYE ATIKO


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hair style of an Asante warcaptain

symbol of bravery and valor This

symbols is said to be a special hair style of

Kwatakye, a war captain of old

Asante. The symbol has come to represent

bravery and fearlessness. It is also

given as an earned title to any brave son of

an Akan community.

- W. Bruce Willis, The Adinkra Dictionary

35. KINTINKANTAN


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puffed up extravagance

symbol of arrogance

36. KETE PA


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good bed symbol of a good marriage From

the expression that

a woman who has a good marriage is said to

sleep on a good bed. See Cloth As

Metaphor (http://www.adinkra.org/htmls

/adinkra_bibliography.htm#arthur) by G.F.

Kojo Arthur, pp. 87-89

37. HYE WON HYE


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that which does not burn

symbol of imperishability and endurance

This symbol gets its meaning from

traditional priests that were able to walk on

fire without burning their feet, an inspiration

to others to endure and

overcome difficulties.

38. HWE MU DUA


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measuring stick

symbol of examination and quality control

This symbol

stresses the need to strive for the best

quality, whether in production of

goods or in human endeavors.


13 of 26 11/19/2014 11:45 AM

39. GYE NYAME


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except for God

symbol of the supremacy of God This unique

and

beautiful symbol is ubiquitous in Ghana. It is

by far the most popular for use

in decoration, a reflection on the deeply

religious character of the Ghanaian

people

40. FUNTUNFUNEFU-DENKYEMFUNEFU


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Siamese crocodiles

symbol of democracy and unity The Siamese

crocodiles share one stomach, yet they fight

over food. This popular symbol is

a remind that infighting and tribalism is

harmful to all who engage in it.

41. FOFO


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yellow flowered plant

symbol of jealousy and envy When the fofos

petals drop, they turn into black spiky-like

seeds. The Akan liken the nature

of this plant to a jealous person. The

Adinkra Dictionary by W. Bruce Willis

There is a Akan proverb associated with this

symbol: What the fofo plant

wishes is that the gyinantwi seeds turn

black.

42. FIHANKRA


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house/compound

symbol of security and safety Typical of Akan

(Asante)

architecture, the communal housing

compound has only one entrance and exit.

43. FAWOHODIE


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independence symbol of independence,

freedom, emancipation

From the expression: Fawodhodie ene obre

na enam. Literal translation:

Independence comes with its

responsibilities. from Cloth As Metaphor

(http://www.marshall.edu/akanart/) by

G.F. Kojo Arthur

44. ESE NE TEKREMA


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the teeth and the tongue

symbol of friendship and interdependence

The

teeth and the tongue play interdependent

roles in the mouth. They may come into

conflict, but they need to work together.

45. EPA


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handcuffs

symbol of law and justice, slavery and

captivity Adolph

Agbo, in Values of Adinkra Symbols notes

that handcuffs were introduced in

Africa as a result of the slave trade, and later

became popular among chiefs in

cuffing offenders of the law. The symbol

reminds offenders of the

uncompromising nature of the law. It

however discourages all forms of slavery.

46. EBAN


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fence

symbol of love, safety and security The home

to the Akan is a

special place. A home which has a fence

around it is considered to be an ideal

residence. The fence symbolically separates

and secures the family from the

outside. Because of the security and the

protection that a fence affords, the

symbol is also associated with the security

and safety one finds in love.

from The Adinkra

Dictionary (http://www.adinkra.org/htmls

/books.htm#adinkra_dictionary)

47. DWENNIMMEN


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rams horns

symbol of humility together with strength

The ram will

fight fiercely against an adversary, but it also

submits humbly to slaughter,

emphasizing that even the strong need to be

humble.

48. DUAFE


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wooden comb

symbol of beauty and cleanliness; symbols of

desirable

feminine qualities The meaning of this

symbol is characterized slightly

differently in The Adinkra Dictionary and

The Values of Adinkra Symbols;

the former emphasizes more abstract

qualities of feminine goodness, love and

care, while the latter has a more literal

interpretation, looking ones best

and good hygiene. In any case, the duafe was

a prized possession of the Akan

woman, used to comb and plait her hair.

49. DENKYEM


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crocodile

symbol of adaptability The crocodile lives in

the water,

yet breathes the air, demonstrating an abil

50. DAME-DAME


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name of a board game

symbol of intelligence and ingenuity

51. BOA ME NA ME MMOA WO


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Help me and let me help you symbol of

cooperation and interdependence Source:

Cloth As Metaphor

(http://www.marshall.edu/akanart/) by

G.F. Kojo Arthur

52. BI NKA BI


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No one should bite theother

symbol of peace and harmony This symbol

cautions against provocation and strife. The

image is based on two fish biting

each other tails.

53. BESE SAKA


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sack of cola nuts

symbol of affluence, power, abundance,

plenty,

togetherness and unity The cola nut played

an important role in the economic

life of Ghana. A widely-used cash crop, it is

closely associated with affluence

and abundance. This symbol also represents

the role of agriculture and trade in

bringing peoples together.

54. AYA


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fern

symbol of endurance and resourcefulness

The fern is a hardy

plant that can grow in difficult places. An

individual who wears this symbol

suggests that he has endured many

adversities and outlasted much difficulty.

(Willis, The Adinkra Dictionary)

55. ASASE YE DURU


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the Earth has weight

symbol of providence and the divinity of

Mother

Earth This symbol represents the importance

of the Earth in sustaining life.

56. ADINKRAHENE


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Chief of the adinkra symbols symbol of

greatness,

charisma and leadership This symbol is said

to have played an inspiring role in

the designing of other symbols. it signifies

the importance of playing a

leadership role.

57. AKOBEN


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war horn symbol of vigilance and wariness

Akoben is a horn

used to sound a battle cry.

58. AKOFENA


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sword of war symbol of courage,

valor, and heroism The

crossed swords were a popular motif

in the heraldic shields of many former

Akan

states. In addition to recognizing

courage and valor, the swords can

represent

legitimate state authority.

59. AKOKO NAN


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//akok_lg.gif)

the leg of a hen

symbol of nurturing and discipline The full

name of

this symbol translates to The hen treads on

her chicks, but she does not kill

them. This represents the ideal nature of

parents, being both protective and

corrective. An exhortation to nurture

children, but a warning not to pamper

them.

60. AKOMA NTOSO


20 of 26 11/19/2014 11:45 AM


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//akon_lg.gif)

linked hearts

symbol of understanding and agreement

62. ANANSE NTONTAN


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spiders web symbol of wisdom, creativity

and the

complexities of life Ananse, the spider, is a

well-known character in African

folktales.

63. AKOMA


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//akom_lg.gif)

the heart

symbol of patience and tolerance According

to Agbo, when a

person is said to have a heart in his

stomach, that person is very tolerant.

Here is a list of books curated by Jean MacDonald (http://www.adinkra.org/htmls

/adinkra_site.htm) to learn more about African design, visuals, and symbols (Disclaimer: the

link below are with the curator amazon affiliates code)


21 of 26 11/19/2014 11:45 AM


/wp-content/themes/directorypress/thumbs

//adinkra_dictionary.gif)

The Adinkra dictionary : A Visual Primer on the

Language of Adinkra (http://www.amazon.com

/exec/obidos/ASIN/0966153219/adinkrasymbol-20)

by W. Bruce Willis

($22-$25, depending on condition; 314 pages) The

most comprehensive guide to

adinkra available, with detailed information and

alternative versions of each

symbol, plus the history of Ghana, the development of

Ashanti culture, and a

brief intro to the Twi languageall in 314 pages! No

longer available from the

publisher; I bought this used on Amazon for about

$25, and it is really worth it,

if you are interested in adinkra and Ghana in

general.If you dont see a copy

available at a reasonable price on Amazon, check back

again. The supply of books

depends on the secondhand book dealers that work

through Amazon.



//african_designs.jpg)

African Designs from Traditional Sources

(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos

/ASIN/0486227529/adinkrasymbol-20) by Geoffrey

Williams ($10.36; 200 pages; 378

illustrations) A wide range of designs and symbols

from African tribes including

the Ashanti that can be reproduced or enlarged for

use in art and design

projects.



//african_design.gif)

Traditional African Designs (http://www.amazon.com


by Gregory Mirow ($6.95; 43 pages, 200 illustrations)

A

inexpensive book of clip art, which includes adinkra

among other African

traditional designs, which can be used in a wide

variety of craft and design

projects.



//african_design_book.gif)

African Designs of the Congo, Nigeria, the Cameroons

and the Guinea Coast (http://www.amazon.com


by Caren

Caraway ($11.17; 144 pages) Copyright-free art from

some of Ghanas neighboring

countries, which can be used for graphic treatments,

craft designs, and interior

or exterior decoration.

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6 Responses to 63 African Symbols For CreativeDesign

1.

Penina S. Finger November 16, 2013 (http://www.siliconafrica.com/african-symbols-

for-creative-design/#comment-41279)

Thanks for putting this together! I'd love to see them in use, too. In what materials and on what

surfaces can these symbols be found?

Reply (/african-symbols-for-creative-design/?replytocom=41279#respond)

2.

Jabulani Phelago (http://www.facebook.com/jabulani.phelago) December 21, 2013

(http://www.siliconafrica.com/african-symbols-for-creative-design/#comment-41385)

Good knowledge depth


3.

Roger Frjus (http://www.facebook.com/roger.abath) December 31, 2013


thank you so much. you did a nice work.


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8 comments

Val Serrant Top Commenter Independent Contractor/External Relations. at SelfEmployed ArtistALKEBU-LAN....ASE! ASE! ASE-O!Reply Like December 21, 2013 at 11:09am2

Joe L Sherard Community College of Philadelphiai want number 15!!!!!Reply Like January 27 at 2:51pm

Jabulani PhelagoGood knowledge - depth ...Reply Like December 21, 2013 at 2:01am

Anthony Candid Chileke Unique computer institute owerrithis wonderful. A sanctuary for me. I can now rest my thoughts and pen. Thanks...Reply Like October 25, 2013 at 11:17pm1

Penina S. Finger Top Commenter Owner at The Fantastic MachineThanks for putting this together! I'd love to see them in use, too. In what materialsand on what surfaces can these symbols be found?Reply Like November 16, 2013 at 9:56am

King C. Asante-Yeboa Top Commenter Works at AFRICAN CENTER* * CENTRE AFRICAINThey are normally used on Ghanaian cloths and traditional attires.Reply Like February 9 at 3:23am

Roger Frjus Denver, Coloradothank you so much. you did a nice work.Reply Like December 30, 2013 at 11:27pm


24 of 26 11/19/2014 11:45 AM

4.

Joe L Sherard (http://www.facebook.com/Mojogenie) January 27, 2014


i want number 15!!!!!


5.

King C. Asante-Yeboa (http://www.facebook.com/king.asanteyeboa) February 9, 2014


They are normally used on Ghanaian cloths and traditional attires.


6.

Colin Elum (https://www.facebook.com/colin.elum) June 24, 2014


Hi thanks for the upload of these beautiful symbols I was in the middle

of using a few of these but the page isn't coming up will you have the page back up soon?


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63 Great African Design Symbols and Adinkra

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